Investment management company FourWinds Capital Management has appointed former Herbert Smith partner Louise Freestone as its first-ever general counsel.

Freestone joined the Boston-based natural resources fund management company's London office earlier this month (21 July) and will report directly to chief executive Kimberley Tara.

Freestone spent 11 years at the top 10 City firm, where she worked in the corporate arm, first with M&A and securities and then within the investment funds group.

Commenting on her move, Freestone said: "I was very happy at Herbert Smith. Then I worked with Kimberly Tara and FourWinds as a client and was very interested in the company and the approach to sustainable investment in natural resources and environmental sectors. An opportunity like this, to be involved in the early stages of a growing company with a unique focus, comes along rarely and I was very enthusiastic about making the move.

"I need time to get to know the legal needs of the business and work out the likely extent and areas of growth. Within a few months I will be looking to hire a team of lawyers with the relevant experience for the company."

The appointment follows FourWinds' launch of a €60m (£47m) investment fund for water-related projects. The Aqua Resources Fund will target shares in water companies and projects with FourWinds hoping to increase the fund to €500m (£395m) between now and the end of October.

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